Designing reading tasks to maximise vocabulary learning

Most vocabulary learning should occur incidentally through listening and reading. This is one of the reasons why a substantial extensive reading program is an important part of an English course. Extensive reading requires the learners to do large quantities of reading using material that is at the right level for them. Vocabulary learning occurs through the conditions of repetition, retrieval, creative use, and deliberate attention. These conditions can be maximized when reading through the use of narrow reading, repeated reading, linked skills reading, reading with discussion, and deliberate learning through reading with exercises. Computer-based activities can be effective in providing opportunities for deliberate learning, but it is important that deliberate learning does not take time away from extensive reading.